On immigration, Mr. Obama is expected to call upon Congress to again send him legislation overhauling the system. But he is not expected to do what many advocates would like: act unilaterally to halt deportations. Mr. Obama has said he does not have authority to do so. In addition, he’s hoping to win over congressional Republicans, who already accuse Mr. Obama of disregarding laws he does not like. Unilateral action could pump up that criticism and make legislative action even harder.

The president is also not planning to announce any executive action regarding workplace discrimination against gays and lesbians among federal contractors. The Senate passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act last year banning this type of discrimination for most private employers. But the bill faces dim prospects in the House, where Speaker John Boehner (R., Ohio) doesn’t plan to schedule a vote.

Gay rights advocates have pressed the White House to issue an executive order, but the White House has said privately it is not coming in the State of the Union speech, according to one person who was briefed on the speech plans. The White House declined to comment about Mr. Obama’s plans.

Tico Almeida, president of Freedom to Work, a group pressing for the legislation, said at this point he is hoping that Mr. Obama directly calls on the House to pass the Senate bill and mentions it by name. Another option, he said, is the president will issue a generic call for respect for gays and lesbians.

Advocates hope the executive order comes eventually. “The president made clear he has a pen and is ready to use it, and unlike on immigration, there isn’t a risk he’ll thwart legislative progress by doing so,” said Lanae Erickson Hatalsky, director of social policy and politics at the Democratic think tank Third Way.

Asked about this on Monday, Press Secretary Jay Carney declined to comment on any potential executive action. “The president believes that we ought to pass an Employment Non-Discrimination Act because it’s the right thing to do for LGBT Americans and it’s the right thing to do for our economy, full stop,” he said.

About Washington Wire

Washington Wire is one of the oldest standing features in American journalism. Since the Wire launched on Sept. 20, 1940, the Journal has offered readers an informal look at the capital. Now online, the Wire provides a succession of glimpses at what’s happening behind hot stories and warnings of what to watch for in the days ahead. The Wire is led by Reid J. Epstein, with contributions from the rest of the bureau. Washington Wire now also includes Think Tank, our home for outside analysis from policy and political thinkers.